1. Introduction

The Diverse Cumbria Awards (DCA) celebrate individuals, organisations and businesses working to make Cumbria a fairer, more inclusive place for all.

These Terms and Conditions govern the nomination, judging, sponsorship and publicity processes to ensure transparency, fairness and integrity.

“We” refers to Your First Events Ltd.

“Awards” refers to The Diverse Cumbria Awards.

“Nominee” refers to any individual, group, organisation, business or event nominated.

2. Nominations

Nominations are:

• Open to the public
• Submitted via the official DCA website
• Free of charge
• Anonymous

Individuals may submit nominations in multiple categories.

Multiple nominations for the same nominee will not increase their chances of winning. All nominations are judged on merit and evidence.

Each nomination must include:

• Name of the nominee
• Contact details, where known
• Organisation, if applicable
• A supporting statement between 150 and 400 words

We strongly encourage detailed evidence, examples and outcomes to support the nomination.

If insufficient information is provided, we reserve the right to:

• Contact the nominee for further information
• Contact an employer or relevant representative
• Conduct independent research

Your First Events Ltd. and the judging panel reserve the right to disqualify any nomination at any stage if it is:

• False or misleading
• Fabricated
• In breach of these Terms
• Deemed inappropriate

Judges may introduce additional nominations where credible evidence exists. Any such nominations will be subject to the same judging process as all others.

3. Judging Process

The judging panel will primarily consist of the previous year’s winners. If fewer than five are available, past winners may be invited.

The panel will always consist of a minimum of five judges.

All judges must declare any conflict of interest. Where a conflict exists, the judge will abstain from scoring or discussing that category.

Judging takes place in two rounds.

Round One

Judges independently review and score all valid nominations within a set review period.

Shortlists are created based on cumulative scores.

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to submit a three minute video outlining their work and impact.

Round Two

Judges meet privately to review shortlisted video submissions and discuss.

A representative from Your First Events Ltd. may attend as a non voting advisor.

Final decisions are made independently by the judging panel.

All judging decisions are final.

Winners are announced at the Awards ceremony.

4. Categories

Categories and criteria are published on the official website.

Your First Events Ltd. reserves the right to amend, merge or withdraw categories where necessary.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is selected solely by the judging panel and cannot be directly nominated.

5. Sponsorship

Sponsorship packages are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Sponsorship does not influence judging outcomes.

Sponsors may be nominated but cannot win the category they sponsor.

Sponsorship packages are offered at fixed rates.

Your First Events Ltd. reserves the right to introduce additional sponsorship opportunities at its discretion.

6. Publicity and Media

By accepting nomination, shortlisted nominees and winners agree to reasonable publicity related to the Awards.

Sponsor logos may appear:

• At the Awards event
• On the official website for a minimum of two years
• Within event materials and programmes

Sponsors are responsible for supplying appropriate logo files and brand assets.

Media coverage cannot be guaranteed and remains subject to editorial discretion.

Your First Events Ltd. reserves the right to edit or refuse submitted content deemed inappropriate.

7. Data Protection

Personal data submitted as part of the nomination process will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.

Information will be used solely for the administration of the Awards and will not be sold or shared with third parties beyond what is necessary to facilitate judging and event delivery.

8. Final Provisions

Your First Events Ltd. reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions where necessary to protect the fairness and integrity of the Awards.

We reserve the right to disqualify any nomination that does not meet the published criteria or is found to be false, misleading or inappropriate.

Your First Events Ltd. reserves the right to withdraw an award where subsequent information comes to light that, in our reasonable opinion, would bring the Awards into disrepute or undermine their integrity.

All rights are reserved.